HC Deb 29 April 1908 vol 187 cc1249-50
MR. BOTTOMLEY

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office authorities have recently intimated to various newspaper publishers that copies of their publications will not be permitted to be sent through the post if containing advertisements offering premium bonds for sale; and, if so, what is the ground for this new regulation.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I have been advised that the premium bonds in question, the distinctive feature of which is the distribution of large prizes by ballot, are in the nature of a lottery, and that the transmission through the post of advertisements relating to such lotteries is contrary to the law. In accordance with this advice, I have communicated with the publishers of various newspapers with the object of preventing the publication of such advertisements.

MR. BOTTOMLEY

in aired whether the attention of the right hon. Gentleman had been called by a responsible firm of solicitors to the fact that under a recent decision of the Courts it had been distinctly held that premium bonds did not come within the Lottery Acts.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

said he was advised that they did. He was determined to prohibit their being sent through the post so far as he could, and if anyone desired to bring an action against him, he would be glad to defend it.

MR. BOTTOMLEY

But has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to this letter?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

No, Sir, but I do not think it would alter my decision.

MR. BOTTOMLEY

In view of the fact that many responsible newspapers relying on the decision of the Courts have entered into long contracts for such advertisements, what indemnity does the right hon. Gentleman propose to give the owners of these newspapers?

MR. J. MACVEAGH

Give them a fourteen-years limit.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Newspapers must take the responsibility. I am glad to say that in regard to some newspaper publishers, at all events, whose attention has been called to this matter they have at once fallen in with the view I have formed and put before them, and are not continuing the publication of these advertisements.